Majestic Iceland

TOURIS Facts About Iceland(Source: Icelandic Tourist Board)

LandIceland is an island of almost 40,000 square miles. Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur, is 6,500 ft. Iceland has the largest glaciers in Europe - in fact, 11% of the country is covered by glaciers – which means all the more fun Iceland Holidays. The coastline is dotted with more than one hundred fjords - and green, fertile valleys extend from them, making a vacation in Iceland a scene out of a dream! Iceland also has more than 10,000 waterfalls and countless hot springs. Holidays in Iceland is as much about enjoying the culture as it is about exploring the landscapes and natural beauty.

EnergySituated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a hot spot of geothermal activity. Almost 40 post-glacial volcanoes have erupted in the past 200 years. On average, a volcanic eruption can be expected in Iceland about every five years. A side phenomenal of volcanic activity, - geothermal activity and natural hot water, supplies much of the population with cheap, and almost pollution-free heating. Glacial rivers are harnessed to provide inexpensive hydroelectric power. The electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. An interesting aspect of the glacier country that also makes Iceland holidays unique.

People and languageOf a population numbering just over 330,000, more than half lives in the Greater Reykjavik Area. The native language is Icelandic but most Icelanders speak fluent English. So you can expect a smooth Iceland holiday without language problems!

HistoryThe first permanent settler of the country was Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norwegian, who in 874 AD made his home where Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland now stands. It is an excellent place to enjoy your Iceland holiday. In 930 AD, the Viking settlers of Iceland founded one of the world's first republican governments. They established a constitution based on individual freedom, land ownership, and sophisticated inheritance laws. The Old Commonwealth Age, described in the classic Icelandic Sagas, lasted until 1262, when Iceland lost its independence and remained a part of Norway and Denmark for a long time. In 1918 it gained independence again and in 1944 the present republic was founded. While on a vacation in Iceland, you can get a taste of its rich cultural history.

EconomyThe economy is heavily dependent upon fisheries, which are the nation's greatest resource. 72% of all exports are made up of seafood products. Yet only a small proportion of the workforce is active in this sector (4.4% in fishing and 5.6% in fish processing). About 66% of the workforce is employed in services. Icelanders enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world which you can enjoy with an Iceland holiday in Reykjavik and nearing areas. Iceland was among the first counties in the world to be hit by the economy recession in the first decade of the 21. century. It seems like it will also be the first country to recover.

How to get to IcelandFor those waiting to spend their holidays in Iceland, there are daily non-stop flights to Iceland from both North America and Europe.